Client Outreach Skills Modules

Using Examples Effectively

Whenever you present to potential clients, you should stress that poor translations are a business risk. A hard-hitting example is one of the best ways to make this point — but examples of poor translations abound. How do you choose?

Here are a few points to keep in mind:

Select examples that are relevant to the audience and are translated into their language.

Aim for a simple punch line that speaks for itself.

Avoidexamples that need explaining. Make it easy to understand what went wrong.

Mention direct, specific consequences such as diminished image, reprinting costs, or lost business opportunities.

Don’t get into grammar (“And here, the translator did not use the right past tense....”). Trust us: your business audience won’t get it — and they’ll drift off.

Don’t criticize other linguists; simply say that “being bilingual is not enough to work as a translator.”

Your own practice may be the best source of examples for your audience, but ATA offers several good sources as well: